Born in Manheim, he was the son of the late Harry and Ada Mae Geib Nissley. He was the loving husband of Arlene Breneman Nissley. They would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in September.

Galen served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands at the end of World War II. Upon his return, he worked at the former Raymark Industries, Manheim, before embarking on his 45-year career as a cabinet maker and designer for Longenecker’s Hardware Store. He retired in 1992. Galen was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Manheim. His interests included hunting, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, golf, softball, and ice hockey. He enjoyed traveling to the cabin he built with his son in Potter County.

Galen was a man who rarely found a problem he could not solve or a challenge he would not take. He believed in hard work, ingenuity, and common sense. He was the master of inventions great and small, and he knew how to do a lot with a little and a little with a lot. He served others and expected nothing in return.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children: Thomas C., husband of Kathy; and Gail D., wife of Jeff Summy, of Manheim; and Lynn S. Waldman, of Aurora, Ill.; seven grandchildren: Lisa Golding, Neil Nissley, Tara Heatwole, Zach Summy, and Rye, Cassy, and Trey Waldman; and nine great grandchildren.